Derby have confirmed that Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson will sign for £750,000.

Pearson's agent had said earlier that the 24-year-old had chosen Pride Park
over Sunderland and Norwich, and he will become Billy Davies' third major
capture of the current transfer window following the signings of David Jones and
Craig Fagan.

A club statement read: 'Stephen Pearson will become a Derby County player
later today (Wednesday) subject to passing a medical.

'The Rams are set to pay Celtic £750,000 for the services of the Scottish
international, who will sign a three-and-a-half year contract.'

Davies, who knows Pearson from their time at Motherwell, had a bid accepted
for the 24-year-old midfielder last weekend and agent Willie McKay revealed
earlier the Scotland international was expected to sign a three-and-a-half-year
deal at Pride Park.

McKay told skysports: 'After visiting the club and seeing the facilities
Stephen has decided Derby is the best option for himself.

'He had contact with Peter Grant at Norwich and he also spoke to Roy Keane at
Sunderland, but having worked with Billy before he believes he can take the next
step in his career.

'Billy trusts in him and he believes he can help him get back in the Scotland
side, and with the position Derby are in Stephen is confident that he can help
them in their pursuit of winning promotion with the players they have got.

'Stephen will have no problems playing in England having played in Old Firm
derbies and the Champions League and he is excited about joining Derby.'